For gardeners and orchardists, it's the most wonderful flea market in the world. Not only that – most of the best stuff is free! MOFGA, the Maine Tree Crop Alliance, and Fedco will once again host the Seed Swap and Scionwood Exchange at MOFGA’s Common Ground Exhibition Hall in Unity. Please bring any seeds, scionwood or cuttings you have to share freely with others. In recent years we have given away scionwood from well over 200 fruit varieties. These contributions make the day a success. We'll supply labels, tape and markers, and we’ll be selling T-shirts, books, grafting supplies and rootstock. Admission is free. More details.

Organic and Sustainable Agriculture News

Wis. invests in roads to support Organic ValleyWEAU (Eau Claire, Wisconsin) - 10/25/2013. AP - Gov. Scott Walker says the state will spend $1.4 million on road construction to foster the expansion of Organic Valley in western Wisconsin.

Pesticide illness triggers anti-Monsanto protest in ArgentinaDeutsche Welle - 10/25/2013. By Eilis O'Neill - Monsanto pesticides are causing birth defects and cancer in Argentina, according to a new report. In a farming community near Córdoba, residents say they have been poisoned by pesticides used in soy fields.

GE Salmon Growing in the Dark in South DakotaFood & Water Watch - 10/25/2013. By Tim Schwab - Last week, the Washington Post reported some unwelcoming news to AquaBounty Technologies, the producers of genetically engineered (GE) salmon: grocery stores are lining up to sign a pledge saying they won’t sell the fish if, or when, it is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. But where consumers see potential health concerns, environmental problems and a lot of hype surrounding the benefits of this fish, the state of South Dakota apparently sees dollar signs.

Monsanto's agrochemicals are poisoning Argentines, but Monsanto blames victims for misusing productsTreehugger - 10/25/2013. By Chris Tackett - Michael Warren and Natacha Pisarenko from The Associated Press have a blockbuster piece of reporting on the dozens of ways Monsanto's chemical fertilizers and pesticides are poisoning the people of Argentina. Following that report, Monsanto responded by saying that their Roundup line of glyphosate-based weed-killers are safe, but did call for more controls on agrochemicals. This is the same tired response you hear from manufacturers of guns or tobacco or junk food.

6:30 p.m., Bernard Osher Foundation Auditorium, Portland Museum of Art. Hear Christy Hemenway from Gold Star Honeybees, Heather Spalding, MOFGA deputy director, and Fedco Seeds founder CR Lawn talk about our pollinators and the national and local issues that concern them and our food supply. Maine honey and mead tasting to follow. A Community Collaboration between Portland Museum of Art and MOFGA. Free for PMA and MOFGA members ($10 for the general public). Schedule and details.

6 to 9 p.m. Classes held in locations throughout Maine to give gardeners the skills and knowledge to transition from conventional to organic gardening. Registration: typically $5 to cover handouts. Information with class locations.

Locations: Common Ground Education Center in Unity with Jen Ries, or College of the Atlantic in Mount Desert with C.J. Walke. Learn to propagate and reproduce your favorite fruit tree varieties. Participants graft trees to take home and plant. $50 per person. Information and registration.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., East Sangerville Grange. Presented in partnership by East Sangerville Grange, Piscataquis County Soil & Water Conservation District, and Maine Highlands MOFGA Chapter. Speakers will cover topics of interest to both gardeners and commercial farmers. Doors open at 9:30. Light lunch will be provided. For directions go to www.grange.org/eastsangervilleme177/ or call Erin Callaway at 343-0171. RSVPs appreciated to make lunch planning easier.

9 a.m. to the afternoon, MOFGA’s Maine Heritage Orchard in Unity. We'll start with a demonstration on how to plant a tree. All ages are welcome. Bring a shovel, lunch, friends and kids. No charge. FMI: MOFGA.org or apples@mofga.org.